Mumps

Question 1

What type of virus causes mumps?

Answer 1

Mumps virus, which is an RNA virus belonging to the Paramyxoviridae family.

Question 2

Fill in the blank: The primary mode of transmission for mumps is __________.

Answer 2

respiratory droplets.

Question 3

What are the characteristic symptoms of mumps?

Answer 3

Parotitis may be preceded by several days of non-specific symptoms such as fever, headache, malaise, myalgias and anorexia. Asymptomatic mumps infection is common, particularly in children. Parotitis is often but not always bilateral.

Question 4

Which gland is primarily affected by mumps?

Answer 4

The parotid gland.

Question 5

What is the incubation period for mumps?

Answer 5

Approximately 16 to 18 days.

Question 6

Complications of mumps

Answer 6

Orchitis -15% (usually unilateral and appears 10-15 days after parotitis). Infertility rare and more common if bilateral
Oophoritis - 5% of women get oophoritis which is not associated with any subfertility
Encephalitis 1:6000 cases. Selflimiting with no long term sequelae
Meningitis 1-10% of cases. Lymphocyte predominant CSF
Deafness - often transient
Pancreatitis